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VDWS International

Basic Licence Sailing

The VDWS basic sailing licence serves as a proof of competence for sailing. Here you can prove your theoretical and practical capabilities by exam. The training is mainly practically orientated and avoids getting into deeply theoretical material. The basic licence makes an ideal entry point into the sport of sailing. It also provides the basics needed to go on for other sailing qualifications.

Guidelines for the Training and Exam

The training for dinghy the certificate should involve depending to the level of competence between. 15-20 training hours in theory and practice. The course duration should allow for the aims of the course to be achieved. That being that the trainees should be capable of comfortably sailing in a force 3 wind including departing and returning safely to the shore as required.

The exam may be taken after 15-20 hours training. The trainee should further spend at least another 15 hours sailing under the supervision of the sailing school so achieving a high level of competency in dinghy sailing.

Tests

For the Basic certificate the practical and theoretical exam are mandatory. The practical tests such as setting and recovering of sails, knots, capsizing and re-righting can be examined in a way that fits the course structure.

Practical Exam
Setting an recovering of sails, knots, leaving and returning to the shore, holding a waiting position, controlling the speed, stopping by sharply luffing up and going head to wind. Sailing on different points of wind with the correct sail setting. Beating to windward min 300m with at least two tacks and two gybes. 
The exam should be carried out in force 3 wind conditions and considered as passed when all manoeuvres are safely carried out. This also includes that the trainee is capable of returning safely to the point of departure.

Theoretical Exam
Boating materials. General rules and regulation. Sailing theory. Safety. Nature and environment. Knots and their uses. For the theoretical exam, an exam paper must be filled out and a total and minimum points reference set. Should the exam result be on the lower limit the an additional oral exam based on similar exam material should be given.

A repeat of the exam is also possible given an appropriate learning period.